UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-CSR
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
Investment Company Act file number (811-23377)
Tidal ETF Trust
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
234 West Florida Street, Suite 203
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Eric W. Falkeis
Tidal ETF Trust
234 West Florida Street, Suite 203
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204
(Name and address of agent for service)
(844) 986-7700
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
Date of fiscal year end: August 31
Date of reporting period: August 31, 2024
Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.
Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF Tailored Shareholder Report
annual Shareholder Report August 31, 2024 Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF Ticker: LBAY (Listed on NYSE Arca, Inc.) |
This annual shareholder report contains important information about the Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF (the "Fund") for the period September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024. You can find additional information about the Fund at www.leatherbackam.com/etfs. You can also request this information by contacting us at (833) 417-0090 or by writing the Fund at Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF, c/o U.S. Bank Global Fund Services, P.O. Box 701, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201-0701.
What were the Fund costs for the past year?
(based on a hypothetical $10,000 investment)
Fund Name | Costs of a $10,000 investment | Costs paid as a percentage of a $10,000 investment |
---|
Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF | $133 | 1.27% |
Cumulative Performance
(Initial Investment of $10,000)
Date | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF (NAV) | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF (MKT) | S&P 500® Total Return Index | Wilshire Liquid Alternative Equity Hedge Total Return Index |
11/16/20 | 10000 | 10000 | 10000 | 10000 |
11/30/20 | 9921 | 9931 | 9994 | 10019 |
12/31/20 | 10437 | 10451 | 10378 | 10220 |
1/31/21 | 10319 | 10290 | 10273 | 10177 |
2/28/21 | 10702 | 10727 | 10556 | 10446 |
3/31/21 | 11542 | 11555 | 11019 | 10763 |
4/30/21 | 12008 | 12007 | 11607 | 11053 |
5/31/21 | 12513 | 12515 | 11688 | 11177 |
6/30/21 | 11847 | 11829 | 11961 | 11178 |
7/31/21 | 11925 | 11942 | 12245 | 11260 |
8/31/21 | 12246 | 12249 | 12617 | 11398 |
9/30/21 | 12047 | 12046 | 12030 | 11160 |
10/31/21 | 12084 | 12095 | 12873 | 11449 |
11/30/21 | 11593 | 11598 | 12784 | 11309 |
12/31/21 | 12773 | 12780 | 13357 | 11536 |
1/31/22 | 13433 | 13437 | 12666 | 11344 |
2/28/22 | 13678 | 13688 | 12287 | 11166 |
3/31/22 | 14264 | 14299 | 12743 | 11261 |
4/30/22 | 14426 | 14402 | 11632 | 11099 |
5/31/22 | 15269 | 15303 | 11653 | 11126 |
6/30/22 | 14276 | 14306 | 10691 | 10665 |
7/31/22 | 14474 | 14492 | 11677 | 10985 |
8/31/22 | 14380 | 14414 | 11201 | 10764 |
9/30/22 | 13466 | 13481 | 10169 | 10289 |
10/31/22 | 14833 | 14841 | 10992 | 10690 |
11/30/22 | 15670 | 15661 | 11607 | 11051 |
12/31/22 | 15633 | 15645 | 10938 | 10806 |
1/31/23 | 15724 | 15743 | 11625 | 11121 |
2/28/23 | 14869 | 14882 | 11342 | 10963 |
3/31/23 | 14655 | 14647 | 11758 | 11070 |
4/30/23 | 14746 | 14731 | 11941 | 11192 |
5/31/23 | 13627 | 13651 | 11993 | 11148 |
6/30/23 | 14296 | 14308 | 12786 | 11476 |
7/31/23 | 14637 | 14619 | 13197 | 11650 |
8/31/23 | 14279 | 14290 | 12986 | 11611 |
9/30/23 | 14074 | 14081 | 12367 | 11419 |
10/31/23 | 13634 | 13638 | 12107 | 11332 |
11/30/23 | 14078 | 14071 | 13213 | 11766 |
12/31/23 | 14310 | 14310 | 13813 | 12028 |
1/31/24 | 14233 | 14256 | 14045 | 12207 |
2/29/24 | 14387 | 14405 | 14795 | 12457 |
3/31/24 | 15011 | 15042 | 15271 | 12755 |
4/30/24 | 14550 | 14556 | 14648 | 12540 |
5/31/24 | 14949 | 14945 | 15374 | 12833 |
6/30/24 | 14543 | 14460 | 15925 | 12945 |
7/31/24 | 15219 | 15230 | 16119 | 13083 |
8/31/24 | 15708 | 15704 | 16510 | 13272 |
Annual Performance
Annualized Returns for the Periods Ended August 31, 2024 | 1 Year | Since Inception (11/16/2020) |
---|
Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF - NAV | 10.01% | 12.66% |
Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF - Market | 9.89% | 12.65% |
S&P 500® Total Return Index | 27.14% | 14.15% |
Wilshire Liquid Alternative Equity Hedge Total Return Index | 14.31% | 7.76% |
The Fund's past performance is not a good indicator of how the Fund will perform in the future. The graph and table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or redemption of fund shares. Visit www.leatherbackam.com/etfs for more recent performance information.
How did the Fund perform last year and what affected its performance?
The Fund returned 10.01% (NAV) for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, vs 14.31% for the Wilshire Liquid Alternative Equity Hedge Index Total Return and 27.14% for the S&P 500 Total Return Index, the Fund's broad-based benchmark. The Fund invests in securities both long and short and maintains a high active share relative to its benchmark leading to material performance differences from its benchmarks. The investment objective of the Fund is to deliver both capital appreciation and income generation. During the reporting period, equity markets rose significantly, and leadership was very narrow as Mega cap information technology names far outperformed the overall market. The Fund performed positively, yet underperformed relatively as it had no long exposure to the mega cap technology leaders.
What Factors Influenced Performance?
During the period, securities in the information technology and communication services far outperformed all other sectors in the market. The lack of long exposure to certain mega-cap stocks, where much of the broader market’s gains were concentrated detracted from performance relative to its benchmark. Additionally, the shorting environment was difficult with many securities appreciating based on momentum characteristics. The Fund's short allocation lost money during the period.
Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF Tailored Shareholder Report
Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF Tailored Shareholder Report
Key Fund Statistics
(as of August 31, 2024)
| |
---|
Fund Size (Thousands) | $42,478 |
Number of Holdings | 58 |
Total Advisory Fee Paid | $467,351 |
Annual Portfolio Turnover | 35% |
What did the Fund invest in?
(as of August 31, 2024)
Sector Breakdown
(% of total investments (excludes securities sold short))
Sector | % |
Consumer, Non-cyclical | 0.304 |
Financial | 0.176 |
Industrial | 0.151 |
Communications | 0.093 |
Basic Materials | 0.085 |
Technology | 0.057 |
Cash Equivalents | 0.045 |
Energy | 0.038 |
Utilities | 0.027 |
Consumer, Cyclical | 0.024 |
Sector - Securities Sold Short
(% of total securities sold short)
Sector | % |
Consumer, Cyclical | 0.435 |
Financial | 0.267 |
Communications | 0.097 |
Industrial | 0.080 |
Technology | 0.076 |
Consumer, Non-cyclical | 0.045 |
Percentages are based on total net assets, excluding Other Financial Instruments. Cash Equivalents represents short-term investments, investments purchased with collateral from securities lending, and liabilities in excess of other assets.
Top Ten Holdings | (% of net assets) |
---|
Bunge Global SA | 5.0 |
Exxon Mobil Corp. | 4.8 |
Old Republic International Corp. | 4.7 |
Newmont Corp. | 4.7 |
3M Co. | 4.5 |
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. | 4.5 |
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. | 4.3 |
Altria Group, Inc. | 4.3 |
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. | 4.1 |
AGNC Investment Corp. | 4.0 |
How has the Fund changed?
There were no material changes during the reporting period.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
There were no changes in or disagreements with accountants.
Householding
Householding is an option available to certain investors of the Fund. Householding is a method of delivery, based on the preference of the individual investor, in which a single copy of certain shareholder documents can be delivered to investors who share the same address, even if their accounts are registered under different names. Householding for the Fund is available through certain broker-dealers. If you are interested in enrolling in householding and receiving a single copy of prospectuses and other shareholder documents, please contact your broker-dealer. If you are currently enrolled in householding and wish to change your householding status, please contact your broker-dealer.
For additional information about the Fund, including its prospectus, financial information, holdings and proxy voting information, visit www.leatherbackam.com/etfs.
Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF Tailored Shareholder Report
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The registrant has not made any substantive amendments to its code of ethics during the period covered by this report. The registrant has not granted any waivers from any provisions of the code of ethics during the period covered by this report.
A copy of the registrant’s Code of Ethics is filed herewith.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
The registrant’s Board of Trustees of the Trust has determined that there is at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee. Mr. Dusko Culafic is the “audit committee financial expert” and is considered to be “independent” as each term is defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
The registrant has engaged its principal accountant to perform audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services during the past two fiscal years. “Audit services” refer to performing an audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the fiscal year. “Audit-related services” refer to the assurance and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit. “Tax services” refer to professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. There were no “Other services” provided by the principal accountant. The following table details the aggregate fees billed or expected to be billed for each of the last two fiscal years for audit fees, audit-related fees, tax fees and other fees by the principal accountant.
Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF
| FYE 8/31/2024 | FYE 8/31/2023 |
( a ) Audit Fees | $13,125 | $13,125 |
( b ) Audit-Related Fees | N/A | N/A |
( c ) Tax Fees | $2,625 | $2,625 |
( d ) All Other Fees | N/A | N/A |
(e)(1) The audit committee has adopted pre-approval policies and procedures that require the audit committee to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services of the registrant, including services provided to any entity affiliated with the registrant.
(e)(2) The percentage of fees billed by Tait Weller & Baker LLP applicable to non-audit services pursuant to waiver of pre-approval requirement were as follows:
| FYE 8/31/2024 | FYE 8/31/2023 |
Audit-Related Fees | 0% | 0% |
Tax Fees | 0% | 0% |
All Other Fees | 0% | 0% |
(f) All of the principal accountant’s hours spent on auditing the registrant’s financial statements were attributed to work performed by full-time permanent employees of the principal accountant.
(g) The following table indicates the non-audit fees billed or expected to be billed by the registrant’s accountant for services to the registrant and to the registrant’s investment adviser (and any other controlling entity, etc.—not sub-adviser) for the last two years.
Non-Audit Related Fees | FYE 8/31/2024 | FYE 8/31/2023 |
Registrant | N/A | N/A |
Registrant’s Investment Adviser | N/A | N/A |
(h) The audit committee of the board of trustees/directors has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence and has concluded that the provision of such non-audit services by the accountant has not compromised the accountant’s independence.
(i) The registrant has not been identified by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as having filed an annual report issued by a registered public accounting firm branch or office that is located in a foreign jurisdiction where the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board is unable to inspect or completely investigate because of a position taken by an authority in that jurisdiction.
(j) The registrant is not a foreign issuer.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
(a) The registrant is an issuer as defined in Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, (the “Act”) and has a separately-designated standing audit committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Act. The independent members of the committee are as follows: Dusko Culafic, Eduardo Mendoza, and Mark H.W. Baltimore.
(b) Not applicable
Item 6. Investments.
| (a) | Schedule of Investments is included within the financial statements filed under Item 7 of this Form. |
Item 7. Financial Statements and Financial Highlights for Open-End Investment Companies.
Core Financial Statements
August 31, 2024
Tidal ETF Trust
Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF | LBAY | NYSE Arca, Inc.
Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF
Table of Contents
Schedule of Investments | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
August 31, 2024
COMMON STOCKS - 111.9% | | Shares | | | Value | |
Aerospace & Defense - 3.1% | | | | | | | | |
L3Harris Technologies, Inc.(a) | | | 5,495 | | | $ | 1,300,502 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Agriculture - 9.3% | | | | | | | | |
Altria Group, Inc. | | | 33,635 | | | | 1,808,554 | |
Bunge Global SA(a)(b) | | | 21,154 | | | | 2,144,592 | |
| | | | | | | 3,953,146 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Beverages - 5.0% | | | | | | | | |
Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc.(a) | | | 29,032 | | | | 1,062,862 | |
The Coca-Cola Co.(a) | | | 14,943 | | | | 1,082,919 | |
| | | | | | | 2,145,781 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Building Materials - 2.7% | | | | | | | | |
Carrier Global Corp.(a) | | | 15,536 | | | | 1,130,710 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Chemicals - 3.0% | | | | | | | | |
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.(a) | | | 4,512 | | | | 1,258,171 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commercial Services - 2.8% | | | | | | | | |
S&P Global, Inc.(a) | | | 2,295 | | | | 1,177,886 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Diversified Financial Services - 7.3% | | | | | | | | |
Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.(a) | | | 10,497 | | | | 1,695,790 | |
Visa, Inc. - Class A(a) | | | 5,038 | | | | 1,392,352 | |
| | | | | | | 3,088,142 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Entertainment - 3.0% | | | | | | | | |
Vail Resorts, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 7,032 | | | | 1,277,714 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Food - 4.1% | | | | | | | | |
Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. | | | 28,214 | | | | 1,747,011 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Healthcare - Products - 10.1% | | | | | | | | |
Medtronic PLC(a) | | | 18,772 | | | | 1,662,824 | |
Solventum Corp.(c) | | | 12,596 | | | | 807,529 | |
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.(a) | | | 15,843 | | | | 1,829,233 | |
| | | | | | | 4,299,586 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Insurance - 4.7% | | | | | | | | |
Old Republic International Corp.(a) | | | 56,049 | | | | 2,010,478 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Internet - 5.5% | | | | | | | | |
Booking Holdings, Inc. | | | 271 | | | | 1,059,401 | |
eBay, Inc. | | | 21,566 | | | | 1,274,551 | |
| | | | | | | 2,333,952 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Machinery - Diversified - 2.5% | | | | | | | | |
Deere & Co. | | | 2,762 | | | | 1,065,414 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Media - 3.9% | | | | | | | | |
Comcast Corp. - Class A(a) | | | 41,732 | | | | 1,651,335 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Schedule of Investments | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
August 31, 2024
Mining - 8.0% | | | | | | |
Newmont Corp.(a) | | | 37,643 | | | | 2,009,760 | |
Rio Tinto PLC - ADR(a) | | | 21,656 | | | | 1,370,175 | |
| | | | | | | 3,379,935 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Miscellaneous Manufacturers - 4.5% | | | | | | | | |
3M Co. | | | 14,340 | | | | 1,931,455 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Oil & Gas - 4.8% | | | | | | | | |
Exxon Mobil Corp.(a) | | | 17,352 | | | | 2,046,495 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Packaging & Containers - 3.1% | | | | | | | | |
Packaging Corp. of America(a) | | | 6,320 | | | | 1,324,293 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Pharmaceuticals - 7.6% | | | | | | | | |
AbbVie, Inc.(a)(b) | | | 7,809 | | | | 1,532,985 | |
Viatris, Inc.(b) | | | 139,333 | | | | 1,683,142 | |
| | | | | | | 3,216,127 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Software - 7.4% | | | | | | | | |
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc.(a) | | | 23,344 | | | | 1,924,713 | |
MSCI, Inc.(b) | | | 2,067 | | | | 1,200,079 | |
| | | | | | | 3,124,792 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Telecommunications - 2.5% | | | | | | | | |
AT&T, Inc. | | | 53,865 | | | | 1,071,914 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Transportation - 3.5% | | | | | | | | |
Union Pacific Corp. | | | 5,816 | | | | 1,489,419 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Water - 3.5% | | | | | | | | |
American Water Works Co., Inc.(a) | | | 10,438 | | | | 1,493,887 | |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Cost $44,082,182) | | | | | | | 47,518,145 | |
| | | | | | | | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS - 10.5% | | | | | | | | |
AGNC Investment Corp., Series F, 6.13% to 04/15/2025 then 3 mo. LIBOR US + 4.70%, Perpetual(a)(d) | | | 70,891 | | | | 1,711,309 | |
EPR Properties Series C, 5.75%, Perpetual | | | 72,440 | | | | 1,588,609 | |
PotlatchDeltic Corp.(a) | | | 26,929 | | | | 1,170,334 | |
TOTAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (Cost $4,686,584) | | | | | | | 4,470,252 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS - 5.8% | | | | | | | | |
Investments Purchased with Collateral from Securities Lending - 3.7% | | | | | | | | |
Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, 5.50%(e) | | | 1,554,774 | | | | 1,554,774 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Money Market Funds - 2.1% | | | | | | | | |
First American Government Obligations Fund - Class X, 5.23%(e) | | | 894,265 | | | | 894,265 | |
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $2,449,039) | | | | | | | 2,449,039 | |
| | | | | | | | |
TOTAL INVESTMENTS - 128.2% (Cost $51,217,805) | | | | | | | 54,437,436 | |
Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets - (28.2)% | | | | | | | (11,959,429 | ) |
TOTAL NET ASSETS - 100.0% | | | | | | $ | 42,478,007 | |
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Schedule of Investments | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
August 31, 2024
ADR - American Depositary Receipt
LIBOR - London Interbank Offered Rate
PLC - Public Limited Company
SA - Sociedad Anónima
| (a) | All or a portion of security has been pledged as collateral. The total value of assets committed as collateral as of August 31, 2024 is $32,256,548 which represented 75.9% of net assets. |
| (b) | All or a portion of this security is on loan as of August 31, 2024. The total market value of these securities was $1,521,129 which represented 3.6% of net assets. |
| (c) | Non-income producing security. |
| (d) | Securities referencing LIBOR are expected to transition to an alternative reference rate by the security’s next scheduled coupon reset date. |
| (e) | The rate shown represents the 7-day annualized effective yield as of August 31, 2024. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Schedule of Securities Sold Short | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
August 31, 2024
COMMON STOCKS - (26.4)% | | Shares | | | Value | |
Auto Manufacturers - (1.7)% | | | | | | | | |
Tesla, Inc. | | | (3,370 | ) | | $ | (721,551 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Commercial Services - (1.3)% | | | | | | | | |
Block, Inc. | | | (8,636 | ) | | | (570,667 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Distribution & Wholesale - (1.2)% | | | | | | | | |
SiteOne Landscape Supply, Inc. | | | (3,545 | ) | | | (502,894 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Diversified Financial Services - (4.6)% | | | | | | | | |
BlackRock, Inc. | | | (869 | ) | | | (783,673 | ) |
Evercore, Inc. - Class A | | | (1,939 | ) | | | (476,490 | ) |
Stifel Financial Corp. | | | (8,026 | ) | | | (707,411 | ) |
| | | | | | | (1,967,574 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Engineering & Construction - (1.1)% | | | | | | | | |
Comfort Systems USA, Inc. | | | (1,359 | ) | | | (480,434 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Internet - (2.9)% | | | | | | | | |
DoorDash, Inc. - Class A | | | (6,166 | ) | | | (793,626 | ) |
Shopify, Inc. - Class A | | | (5,756 | ) | | | (426,347 | ) |
| | | | | | | (1,219,973 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Leisure Time - (3.7)% | | | | | | | | |
Planet Fitness, Inc. - Class A | | | (9,649 | ) | | | (783,595 | ) |
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. | | | (4,697 | ) | | | (773,220 | ) |
| | | | | | | (1,556,815 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Machinery - Construction & Mining - (1.2)% | | | | | | | | |
Vertiv Holdings Co. - Class A | | | (6,287 | ) | | | (522,010 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Retail - (6.4)% | | | | | | | | |
Burlington Stores, Inc. | | | (1,883 | ) | | | (505,096 | ) |
Carvana Co. - Class A | | | (3,334 | ) | | | (502,167 | ) |
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. | | | (8,090 | ) | | | (453,687 | ) |
Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. | | | (2,450 | ) | | | (580,552 | ) |
Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. | | | (7,359 | ) | | | (659,072 | ) |
| | | | | | | (2,700,574 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Semiconductors - (1.1)% | | | | | | | | |
Broadcom, Inc. | | | (2,872 | ) | | | (467,619 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Software - (1.2)% | | | | | | | | |
Duolingo, Inc. | | | (2,297 | ) | | | (488,273 | ) |
TOTAL COMMON STOCKS (Proceeds $9,868,329) | | | | | | | (11,198,384 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS - (3.3)% | | | | | | | | |
Digital Realty Trust, Inc. | | | (4,648 | ) | | | (704,683 | ) |
Equinix, Inc. | | | (832 | ) | | | (694,188 | ) |
TOTAL REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS (Proceeds $1,146,791) | | | | | | | (1,398,871 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
TOTAL SECURITIES SOLD SHORT - (29.7)% (Proceeds $11,015,120) | | | | | | $ | (12,597,255 | ) |
Percentages are stated as a percent of net assets.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Statement of Assets and Liabilities | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
August 31, 2024
ASSETS: | | | |
Investments, at value (Note 2) | | $ | 54,437,436 | |
Deposit with broker for securities sold short | | | 2,070,260 | |
Dividends receivable | | | 158,167 | |
Interest receivable | | | 2,304 | |
Security lending income receivable | | | 117 | |
Total assets | | | 56,668,284 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES: | | | | |
Securities sold short, at value | | | 12,597,255 | |
Payable upon return of securities loaned | | | 1,554,774 | |
Payable to adviser (Note 4) | | | 33,153 | |
Dividends payable | | | 5,095 | |
Total liabilities | | | 14,190,277 | |
NET ASSETS | | $ | 42,478,007 | |
| | | | |
NET ASSETS CONSISTS OF: | | | | |
Paid-in capital | | $ | 51,645,279 | |
Total accumulated losses | | | (9,167,272 | ) |
Total net assets | | $ | 42,478,007 | |
| | | | |
Net assets | | $ | 42,478,007 | |
Shares issued and outstanding(a) | | | 1,525,000 | |
Net asset value per share | | $ | 27.85 | |
| | | | |
COST: | | | | |
Investments, at cost | | $ | 51,217,805 | |
| | | | |
PROCEEDS: | | | | |
Securities sold short proceeds | | $ | 11,015,120 | |
| | | | |
LOANED SECURITIES: | | | | |
at value (included in investments) | | $ | 1,521,129 | |
| (a) | Unlimited shares authorized without par value. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Statement of Operations | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
For the Year Ended August 31, 2024
INVESTMENT INCOME: | | | |
Dividend income | | $ | 1,675,869 | |
Less: Dividend withholding taxes | | | (5,088 | ) |
Less: Issuance fees | | | (212 | ) |
Interest income | | | 171,149 | |
Securities lending income | | | 4,761 | |
Total investment income | | | 1,846,479 | |
| | | | |
EXPENSES: | | | | |
Investment advisory fee (Note 4) | | | 467,351 | |
Dividends expenses | | | 127,091 | |
Tax expense | | | 27,893 | |
Total expenses | | | 622,335 | |
NET INVESTMENT INCOME | | | 1,224,144 | |
| | | | |
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN | | | | |
Net realized loss from: | | | | |
Investments | | | 4,187,919 | |
Securities sold short | | | (4,556,252 | ) |
Net realized loss | | | (368,333 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation on: | | | 2,779,247 | |
Investments | | | 2,759,184 | |
Securities sold short | | | 73,875 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation | | | 2,833,059 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain | | | 2,464,726 | |
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS | | | | |
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS | | $ | 3,688,870 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Statements of Changes in Net Assets | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
| | Year ended | | | Year ended | |
| | August 31, 2024 | | | August 31, 2023 | |
OPERATIONS: | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | $ | 1,224,144 | | | $ | 1,582,564 | |
Net realized loss | | | (368,333 | ) | | | (4,161,387 | ) |
Net change in unrealized appreciation/(depreciation) | | | 2,833,059 | | | | (1,476,722 | ) |
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from operations | | | 3,688,870 | | | | (4,055,545 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS: | | | | | | | | |
Distributions to shareholders | | | (1,637,733 | ) | | | (2,381,500 | ) |
Return of capital | | | (42,642 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions to shareholders | | | (1,680,375 | ) | | | (2,381,500 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS: | | | | | | | | |
Subscriptions | | | 2,656,133 | | | | 60,591,383 | |
Redemptions | | | (31,005,995 | ) | | | (39,863,445 | ) |
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from capital transactions | | | (28,349,862 | ) | | | 20,727,938 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS | | | (26,341,367 | ) | | | 14,290,893 | |
| | | | | | | | |
NET ASSETS: | | | | | | | | |
Beginning of the year | | | 68,819,374 | | | | 54,528,481 | |
End of the year | | $ | 42,478,007 | | | $ | 68,819,374 | |
| | | | | | | | |
SHARES TRANSACTIONS | | | | | | | | |
Subscriptions | | | 100,000 | | | | 2,100,000 | |
Redemptions | | | (1,200,000 | ) | | | (1,475,000 | ) |
Total increase/(decrease) in shares outstanding | | | (1,100,000 | ) | | | 625,000 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Financial Highlights | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
For a share outstanding throughout the periods presented
| | Year ended August 31, | | | Period ended | |
| | | | | | | | | | | August 31, | |
| | 2024 | | | 2023 | | | 2022 | | | 2021(a) |
PER SHARE DATA: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, beginning of year/period | | $ | 26.22 | | | $ | 27.26 | | | $ | 23.92 | | | $ | 20.00 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
INVESTMENT OPERATIONS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income(b)(c) | | | 0.65 | | | | 0.59 | | | | 0.76 | | | | 0.52 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments(d) | | | 1.89 | | | | (0.75 | ) | | | 3.36 | | | | 3.94 | |
Total from investment operations | | | 2.54 | | | | (0.16 | ) | | | 4.12 | | | | 4.46 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
LESS DISTRIBUTIONS FROM: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | | (0.89 | ) | | | (0.88 | ) | | | (0.77 | ) | | | (0.54 | ) |
Return of capital | | | (0.02 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | |
Net realized gains | | | — | | | | — | | | | (0.01 | ) | | | — | |
Total distributions | | | (0.91 | ) | | | (0.88 | ) | | | (0.78 | ) | | | (0.54 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, end of year/period | | $ | 27.85 | | | $ | 26.22 | | | $ | 27.26 | | | $ | 23.92 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TOTAL RETURN(e) | | | 10.01 | % | | | -0.70 | % | | | 17.43 | % | | | 22.46 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA AND RATIOS: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net assets, end of year/period (in thousands) | | $ | 42,478 | | | $ | 68,819 | | | $ | 54,528 | | | $ | 5,979 | |
Ratio of expenses to average net assets(f) | | | 1.27 | % | | | 1.23 | % | | | 1.28 | % | | | 1.23 | % |
Ratio of tax expense to average net assets | | | 0.06 | % | | | 0.08 | % | | | — | % | | | — | % |
Ratio of dividends and interest expense on securities sold short to average net assets(f) | | | 0.26 | % | | | 0.20 | % | | | 0.33 | % | | | 0.28 | % |
Ratio of operational expenses to average net assets excluding dividends, interest, and borrowing expense on securities sold short(f) | | | 0.95 | % | | | 0.95 | % | | | 0.95 | % | | | 0.95 | % |
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets(f)(h) | | | 2.49 | % | | | 2.14 | % | | | 2.77 | % | | | 2.88 | % |
Portfolio turnover rate(e)(g) | | | 35 | % | | | 44 | % | | | 73 | % | | | 47 | % |
| (a) | Inception date of the Fund was November 16, 2020. |
| (b) | Net investment income per share has been calculated based on average shares outstanding during the year/period. |
| (c) | Recognition of net investment income by the Fund is affected by the timing of the declaration of dividends by the underlying exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. The amount does not include net investment income of the exchange traded funds in which the Fund invests. |
| (d) | Realized and unrealized gains and losses per share in the caption are balancing amounts necessary to reconcile the change in net asset value per share for the years, and may not reconcile with the aggregate gains and losses in the Statement of Operations due to share transactions for the year. |
| (e) | Not annualized for periods less than one year. |
| (f) | Annualized for periods less than one year. |
| (g) | Portfolio turnover rate excludes in-kind transactions. |
| (h) | The ratio of net investment income includes dividends, interest and tax expense. The impact of dividends, interest and tax expense as of August 31, 2024 is 0.32%. |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
Notes to the Financial Statements | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
August 31, 2024 | |
The Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF (the “Fund”) is a diversified series of shares of beneficial interest of Tidal ETF Trust (the “Trust”). The Fund commenced operations as a non-diversified series of the Trust; however, the Fund continuously operated as diversified for three years and as of November 16, 2023 is now classified as diversified. The Trust was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on June 4, 2018 and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company and the offering of the Fund’s shares (“Shares”) is registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Trust is governed by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”). Tidal Investments LLC (“Tidal Investments” or the “Adviser”), a Tidal Financial Group Company, serves as investment adviser to the Fund and Leatherback Asset Management, LLC (the “Sub-Adviser”) serves as investment sub-adviser to the Fund. The Fund is an investment company and accordingly follows the investment company accounting and reporting guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification Topic 946 “Financial Services—Investment Companies.” The Fund commenced operations on November 16, 2020.
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek capital appreciation and income.
NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Fund. These policies are in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”).
| A. | Security Valuation. Equity securities, which may include Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”), Business Development Companies (“BDCs”), and Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”), listed on a securities exchange, market or automated quotation system for which quotations are readily available (except for securities traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC (“NASDAQ”), including securities traded over the counter, are valued at the last quoted sale price on the primary exchange or market (foreign or domestic) on which they are traded on the valuation date (or at approximately 4:00 p.m. EST if a security’s primary exchange is normally open at that time), or, if there is no such reported sale on the valuation date, at the most recent quoted bid price or mean between the most recent quoted bid and ask prices for long and short positions. For a security that trades on multiple exchanges, the primary exchange will generally be considered the exchange on which the security is generally most actively traded. For securities traded on NASDAQ, the NASDAQ Official Closing Price will be used. Prices of securities traded on the securities exchange will be obtained from recognized independent pricing agents (“Independent Pricing Agents”) each day that the Fund is open for business. |
Options are valued at the last quoted sales price. If there is no such reported sale on the valuation date, both long and short positions are valued at the mean between the most recent quoted bid and ask prices.
Under Rule 2a-5 of the 1940 Act. a fair value will be determined by the Valuation Committee (as defined in Rule 2a-5) in accordance with the Pricing and Valuation Policy and Fair Value Procedures, as applicable, of the Adviser, subject to oversight by the Board. When a security is “fair valued,” consideration is given to the facts and circumstances relevant to the particular situation, including a review of various factors set forth in the Adviser’s Pricing and Valuation Policy and Fair Value Procedures, as applicable. Fair value pricing is an inherently subjective process, and no single standard exists for determining fair value. Different funds could reasonably arrive at different values for the same security. The use of fair value pricing by a fund may cause the net asset value (“NAV”) of its shares to differ significantly from the NAV that would be calculated without regard to such considerations.
As described above, the Fund utilizes various methods to measure the fair value of its investments on a recurring basis. U.S. GAAP establishes a hierarchy that prioritizes inputs to valuation methods. The three levels of inputs are:
| Level 1 – | Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Fund has the ability to access. |
| Level 2 – | Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These inputs may include quoted prices for the identical instrument on an inactive market, prices for similar instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, yield curves, default rates and similar data. |
Notes to the Financial Statements | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
August 31, 2024 | |
| Level 3 – | Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, to the extent relevant observable inputs are not available; representing the Fund’s own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in valuing the asset or liability and would be based on the best information available. |
The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, whether the security is new and not yet established in the marketplace, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3.
The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety, is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.
The following is a summary of the inputs used to value the Fund’s investments as of August 31, 2024:
Investments | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | $ | 47,518,145 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 47,518,145 | |
Real Estate Investment Trusts | | | 4,470,252 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 4,470,252 | |
Investments Purchased With Collateral From Securities Lending(a) | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,554,774 | |
Money Market Funds | | | 894,265 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 894,265 | |
Total Investments | | $ | 52,882,662 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | 54,437,436 | |
Investments Sold Short | | Level 1 | | | Level 2 | | | Level 3 | | | Total | |
Common Stocks | | $ | (11,198,384 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (11,198,384 | ) |
Real Estate Investment Trusts | | | (1,398,871 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (1,398,871 | ) |
Total Investments Sold Short | | $ | (12,597,255 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (12,597,255 | ) |
| (a) | Certain investments that are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient have not been categorized in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts presented in the table are intended to permit reconciliation of the fair value hierarchy to the amounts listed in the Schedule of Investments. |
Refer to the Schedule of Investments and Schedule of Securities Sold Short for industry classifications
| B. | Federal Income Taxes. The Fund has elected to be taxed as a “regulated investment company” and intends to distribute substantially all taxable income to its shareholders and otherwise comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies. Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes or excise taxes has been made. |
In order to avoid imposition of the excise tax applicable to regulated investment companies, the Fund intends to declare as dividends in each calendar year at least 98.0% of its net investment income (earned during the calendar year) and at least 98.2% of its net realized capital gains (earned during the twelve months ended October 31) plus undistributed amounts, if any, from prior years. As a registered investment company, the Fund is subject to a 4% excise tax that is imposed if the Fund does not distribute by the end of any calendar year at least the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gain or loss) for the calendar year and (ii) 98.2% of its capital gain in excess of its capital loss (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one year period generally ending on October 31 of the calendar year (unless an election is made to use the fund’s fiscal year). The Fund generally intends to distribute income and capital gains in the manner necessary to minimize (but not necessarily eliminate) the imposition of such excise tax. The Fund may retain income or capital gains and pay excise tax when it is determined that doing so is in the best interest of shareholders. Management, in consultation with the Board of Trustees, evaluates the costs of the excise tax relative to the benefits of retaining income and capital gains, including that such undistributed amounts (net of the excise tax paid) remain available for investment by the Fund and are available to supplement future distributions. Tax expense is disclosed in the Statement of Operations, if applicable.
Notes to the Financial Statements | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
August 31, 2024 | |
As of August 31, 2024, the Fund did not have any tax positions that did not meet the threshold of being sustained by the applicable tax authority. Generally, tax authorities can examine all the tax returns filed for the last three years. The Fund identifies its major tax jurisdiction as U.S. Federal and the Commonwealth of Delaware; however, the Fund is not aware of any tax positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will change materially.
| C. | Securities Transactions and Investment Income. Investment securities transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Gains and losses realized on sales of securities are determined on a specific identification basis. Discounts/premiums on debt securities purchased are accreted/amortized over the life of the respective securities using the effective interest method. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends received from REITs generally are comprised of ordinary income, capital gains, and may include return of capital. Debt income is recorded on an accrual basis. Other non-cash dividends are recognized as investment income at the fair value of the property received. Withholding taxes on foreign dividends have been provided for in accordance with the Fund’s understanding of the applicable country’s tax rules and rates. |
| D. | Options Contracts. The Fund may invest in options contracts that may be used to modify or hedge the Fund’s exposure to a particular investment market related risk, as well as to manage the volatility of the Fund. When the Fund purchases an option, an amount equal to the premium paid by the Fund is recorded as an investment and is subsequently adjusted to the current value of the option purchased. If an option expires on the stipulated expiration date or if the Fund enters into a closing sale transaction, a gain or loss is realized. If a call option is exercised, the cost of the security acquired is increased by the premium paid for the call. If a put option is exercised, a gain or loss is realized from the sale of the underlying security, and the proceeds from such sale are decreased by the premium originally paid. Options are non-income producing securities. During the year ended August 31, 2024, the Fund did not invest in options contracts. |
| E. | Distributions to Shareholders. Distributions to shareholders from net investment income, if any, for the Fund are declared and paid at least monthly. Distributions to shareholders from net realized gains on securities, if any, for the Fund normally are declared and paid on an annual basis. Distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. |
| F. | Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. |
| G. | Share Valuation. The NAV per share of the Fund is calculated by dividing the sum of the value of the securities held by the Fund, plus cash or other assets, minus all liabilities by the total number of shares outstanding for the Fund, rounded to the nearest cent. The Fund’s shares will not be priced on the days on which the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is closed for trading. |
| H. | Guarantees and Indemnifications. In the normal course of business, the Fund enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet occurred. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote. |
| I. | Illiquid Investments. Pursuant to Rule 22e-4 under the 1940 Act, the Fund has adopted a Board-approved Liquidity Risk Management Program (the “Program”) that requires, among other things, that the Fund limit its illiquid investments that are assets to no more than 15% of the value of the Fund’s net assets. An illiquid investment is any investment that the Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. If the Fund should be in a position where the value of illiquid investments held by the Fund exceeds 15% of the Fund’s net assets, the Fund will take such steps as set forth in the Program. |
| J. | Derivatives Transactions. Pursuant to Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act, the SEC imposes limits on the amount of derivatives a fund can enter into, eliminates the asset segregation and cover framework arising from prior SEC guidance for covering derivatives and certain financial instruments currently used by funds to comply with Section 18 of the 1940 Act and treats derivatives as senior securities. Under Rule 18f-4 a fund’s derivatives exposure is limited through a value-at-risk test. Funds whose use of derivatives is more than a limited specified exposure amount are required to establish and maintain a comprehensive derivatives risk management program, subject to oversight by a fund’s board of trustees, and appoint a derivatives risk manager. The Fund has implemented a Rule 18f-4 Derivative Risk Management Program that complies with Rule 18f-4. |
Notes to the Financial Statements | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
August 31, 2024 | |
| K. | Short Sales. The Fund may make short sales as part of its overall portfolio management strategies or to offset a potential decline in value of a security. A short sale involves the sale of a security that is borrowed from a broker or other institution to complete the sale. The Fund may engage in short sales with respect to securities it owns, as well as securities that it does not own. Short sales expose the Fund to the risk that it will be required to acquire, convert or exchange securities to replace the borrowed security (also known as “covering” the short position) at a time when the security sold short has appreciated in value, thus resulting in a loss to the Fund. The Fund’s investment performance may also suffer if the Fund is required to close out a short position earlier than it had intended. The Fund must segregate assets determined to be liquid in accordance with procedures established by the Board, or otherwise cover its positions in a permissible manner. The Fund will be required to pledge its liquid assets to the broker to secure its performance on short sales. As a result, the assets pledged may not be available to meet the Fund’s needs for immediate cash or other liquidity. In addition, the Fund may be subject to expenses related to short sales that are not typically associated with investing in securities directly, such as costs of borrowing and margin account maintenance costs associated with the Fund’s open short positions. These types of short sales expenses are sometimes referred to as the “negative cost of carry,” and will tend to cause the Fund to lose money on a short sale even in instances where the price of the security sold short does not change over the duration of the short sale. Dividend expenses on securities sold short will be borne by the shareholders of the Fund. |
| L. | Reclassification of Capital Accounts. In U.S. GAAP requires that certain components of net assets relating to permanent differences be reclassified between financial and tax reporting. These reclassifications have no effect on net assets or NAV per share. These differences are primarily due to adjustments for redemptions in-kind. For the year ended August 31, 2024, the following adjustments were made: |
Paid-In Capital | | | Total Accumulated Losses |
$ | 2,499,584 | | | $ | (2,499,584) |
During the year ended August 31, 2024, the Leatherback Long/Short Alternative ETF realized $2,860,038, in net capital gains resulting from in-kind redemptions, in which shareholders exchanged Fund shares for securities held by the Fund rather than for cash. Because such gains are not taxable to the Fund, and are not distributed to shareholders, they have been reclassified from accumulated losses to paid-in capital. These differences are primarily due to adjustments for redemptions in-kind activity, and tax adjustments for non-deductible expenses.
NOTE 3 – PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT RISKS |
| A. | Associated Risks of Short Selling. Short sales may involve substantial risk and leverage. Short sales expose the Fund to the risk that it will be required to buy (“cover”) the security sold short when the security has appreciated in value or is unavailable, thus resulting in a loss to the Fund. Short sales also involve the risk that losses may exceed the amount invested and may be unlimited. |
| B. | Market Capitalization Risk. |
| ● | Large-Capitalization Investing. The securities of large-capitalization companies may be relatively mature compared to smaller companies and therefore subject to slower growth during times of economic expansion. Large-capitalization companies may also be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes. |
Notes to the Financial Statements | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
August 31, 2024 | |
| ● | Mid-Capitalization Investing. The securities of mid-capitalization companies may be more vulnerable to adverse issuer, market, political, or economic developments than securities of large-capitalization companies. The securities of mid- capitalization companies generally trade in lower volumes and are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than large capitalization stocks or the stock market as a whole. |
| ● | Small-Capitalization Investing. The securities of small-capitalization companies may be more vulnerable to adverse issuer, market, political, or economic developments than securities of large- or mid-capitalization companies. The securities of small-capitalization companies generally trade in lower volumes and are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than large- or mid-capitalization stocks or the stock market as a whole. There is typically less publicly available information concerning smaller-capitalization companies than for larger, more established companies. |
| C. | Sector Risk. To the extent the Fund invests more heavily in particular sectors of the economy, its performance will be especially sensitive to developments that significantly affect those sectors. |
| ● | Consumer Staples Sector Risk. The Fund may invest in companies in the consumer staples sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Companies in the consumer staples sector, including those in the food and beverage industries, may be affected by general economic conditions, commodity production and pricing, consumer confidence and spending, consumer preferences, interest rates, product cycles, marketing campaigns, competition, and government regulations. |
| ● | Financial Services Sector Risk. The Fund may invest in companies in the financial services sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. This sector can be significantly affected by changes in interest rates, government regulation, the rate of defaults on corporate, consumer and government debt and the availability and cost of capital, among other factors. Insurance companies, in particular, may be significantly affected by changes in interest rates, catastrophic events, price and market competition, the imposition of premium rate caps, or other changes in government regulation or tax law and/or rate regulation, which may have an adverse impact on their profitability. This sector has experienced significant losses in the recent past, and the impact of more stringent capital requirements and of recent or future regulation on any individual financial company or on the sector as a whole cannot be predicted. In recent years, cyber attacks and technology malfunctions and failures have become increasingly frequent in this sector and have caused significant losses. |
| D. | Equity Market Risk. The equity securities held in the Fund’s portfolio may experience sudden, unpredictable drops in value or long periods of decline in value. This may occur because of factors that affect securities markets generally or factors affecting specific issuers, industries, or sectors in which the Fund invests. Common stocks, such as those held by the Fund, are generally exposed to greater risk than other types of securities, such as preferred stock and debt obligations, because common stockholders generally have inferior rights to receive payment from issuers. |
| E. | General Market Risk. Securities markets and individual securities will increase or decrease in value. Security prices may fluctuate widely over short or extended periods in response to market or economic news and conditions, and securities markets also tend to move in cycles. If there is a general decline in the securities markets, it is possible your investment may lose value regardless of the individual results of the companies in which the Fund invests. The magnitude of up and down price or market fluctuations over time is sometimes referred to as “volatility,” and it can be significant. In addition, different asset classes and geographic markets may experience periods of significant correlation with each other. As a result of this correlation, the securities and markets in which the Fund invests may experience volatility due to market, economic, political or social events and conditions that may not readily appear to directly relate to such securities, the securities’ issuer or the markets in which they trade. |
| F. | Management Risk. The Fund is actively-managed and may not meet its investment objective based on the Sub-Adviser’s success or failure to implement investment strategies for the Fund. |
| G. | Options Risk. Options enable the Fund to purchase exposure that is significantly greater than the premium paid. Consequently, the value of such options can be volatile, and a small investment in options can have a large impact on the performance of the Fund. The Fund risks losing all or part of the cash paid (premium) for purchasing options. Even a small decline in the value of a reference asset underlying call options or a small increase in the value of a reference asset underlying put options can result in the entire investment in such options being lost. Additionally, the value of the option may be lost if the Sub-Adviser (as defined herein) fails to exercise such option at or prior to its expiration. |
Notes to the Financial Statements | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
August 31, 2024 | |
| H. | Exchange Traded Fund (“ETF”) Risks. |
| ● | Authorized Participants, Market Makers, and Liquidity Providers Concentration Risk. The Fund has a limited number of financial institutions that are authorized to purchase and redeem shares directly from the Fund (“APs”). In addition, there may be a limited number of market makers and/or liquidity providers in the marketplace. To the extent either of the following events occur, shares of the Fund (“Shares”) may trade at a material discount to NAV and possibly face delisting: (i) APs exit the business or otherwise become unable to process creation and/or redemption orders and no other APs step forward to perform these services; or (ii) market makers and/or liquidity providers exit the business or significantly reduce their business activities and no other entities step forward to perform their functions. |
| ● | Cash Redemption Risk. The Fund’s investment strategy may require it to redeem Shares for cash or to otherwise include cash as part of its redemption proceeds. For example, the Fund may not be able to redeem in-kind certain securities held by the Fund (e.g., TBA transactions, short positions, derivative instruments, and bonds that cannot be broken up beyond certain minimum sizes needed for transfer and settlement). In such a case, the Fund may be required to sell or unwind portfolio investments to obtain the cash needed to distribute redemption proceeds. This may cause the Fund to recognize a capital gain that it might not have recognized if it had made a redemption in-kind. As a result, the Fund may pay out higher annual capital gain distributions than if the in-kind redemption process was used. In addition, cash redemption costs could include brokerage costs or taxable gains or losses, which might not have otherwise been incurred if the redemption was fully in-kind. |
| ● | Costs of Buying or Selling Shares. Due to the costs of buying or selling Shares, including brokerage commissions imposed by brokers and bid-ask spreads, frequent trading of Shares may significantly reduce investment results and an investment in Shares may not be advisable for investors who anticipate regularly making small investments. |
| ● | Shares May Trade at Prices Other Than NAV. As with all ETFs, Shares may be bought and sold in the secondary market at market prices. Although it is expected that the market price of Shares will approximate the Fund’s NAV, there may be times when the market price of Shares is more than the NAV intra-day (premium) or less than the NAV intra-day (discount) due to supply and demand of Shares or during periods of market volatility. This risk is heightened in times of market volatility, periods of steep market declines, and periods when there is limited trading activity for Shares in the secondary market, in which case such premiums or discounts may be significant. |
| ● | Trading. Although shares are listed on a national securities exchange, such as NYSE Arca, Inc. (the “Exchange”) and may be traded on U.S. exchanges other than the Exchange, there can be no assurance that shares will trade with any volume, or at all, on any stock exchange. In stressed market conditions, the liquidity of shares may begin to mirror the liquidity of the Fund’s underlying portfolio holdings, which can be significantly less liquid than Shares. |
| I. | Fixed Income Risk. The value of the Fund’s investments in fixed income securities will fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Typically, a rise in interest rates causes a decline in the value of fixed income securities owned indirectly by the Fund. On the other hand, if rates fall, the value of the fixed income securities generally increases. The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates due to the current period of historically low rates and the effect of potential government fiscal policy initiatives and resulting market reaction to those initiatives. In general, the market price of fixed income securities with longer maturities will increase or decrease more in response to changes in interest rates than shorter-term securities. |
| J. | Convertible Securities Risk. Convertible securities rank senior to the issuer’s common stock, but may be subordinate to senior debt obligations. In part, the total return for a convertible security may depend upon the performance of the underlying stock into which it can be converted. Synthetic convertibles may respond differently to market fluctuations than traditional convertible securities. They are also subject to counterparty risk. |
Notes to the Financial Statements | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
August 31, 2024 | |
| K. | Preferred Securities Risk. Preferred stocks are subject to the risks of equity securities generally and also risks associated with fixed-income securities, such as interest rate risk. A company’s preferred stock, which may pay fixed or variable rates of return, generally pays dividends only after the company makes required payments to creditors, including vendors, depositors, counterparties, holders of its bonds and other fixed-income securities. As a result, the value of a company’s preferred stock will react more strongly than bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Preferred stock may be less liquid than many other types of securities, such as common stock, and generally has limited or no voting rights. In addition, preferred stock is subject to the risks that a company may defer or not pay dividends, and, in certain situations, may call or redeem its preferred stock or convert it to common stock. To the extent that the Fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in convertible preferred stocks, declining common stock values may also cause the value of the Fund’s investments to decline. |
| L. | Depositary Receipt Risk. Depositary receipts involve risks similar to those associated with investments in foreign securities and give rise to certain additional risks. Depositary receipts listed on U.S. or foreign exchanges are issued by banks or trust companies, and entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains that are paid out on the underlying foreign shares (“Underlying Shares”). When the Fund invests in depositary receipts as a substitute for an investment directly in the Underlying Shares, the Fund is exposed to the risk that the depositary receipts may not provide a return that corresponds precisely with that of the Underlying Shares. |
| M. | REIT Risk. A REIT is a company that owns or finances income-producing real estate. Through its investments in REITs, the Fund is subject to the risks of investing in the real estate market, including decreases in property revenues, increases in interest rates, increases in property taxes and operating expenses, legal and regulatory changes, a lack of credit or capital, defaults by borrowers or tenants, environmental problems and natural disasters. |
REITs are subject to additional risks, including those related to adverse governmental actions; declines in property value and the real estate market; the potential failure to qualify for tax-free pass through of income; and exemption from registration as an investment company. REITs are dependent upon specialized management skills and may invest in relatively few properties, a small geographic area, or a small number of property types. As a result, investments in REITs may be volatile. To the extent the Fund invests in REITs concentrated in specific geographic areas or property types, the Fund may be subject to a greater loss as a result of adverse developments affecting such area or property types. REITs are pooled investment vehicles with their own fees and expenses and the Fund will indirectly bear a proportionate share of those fees and expenses.
| N. | YieldCo Risk. Investments in securities of YieldCos involve risks that differ from investments in traditional operating companies, including risks related to the relationship between the YieldCo and the company responsible for the formation of the YieldCo (the “YieldCo Sponsor”). YieldCos typically remain dependent on the management and administration services provided by or under the direction of the YieldCo Sponsor and on the ability of the YieldCo Sponsor to identify and present the YieldCo with acquisition opportunities, which may often be assets of the YieldCo Sponsor itself. YieldCo Sponsors may have interests that conflict with the interests of the YieldCo, and may retain control of the YieldCo via classes of stock held by the YieldCo Sponsor. YieldCo securities can be affected by macro-economic and other factors affecting the stock market in general, expectations of interest rates, investor sentiment towards YieldCos or the energy sector, changes in a particular issuer’s financial condition, or unfavorable or unanticipated poor performance of a particular issuer (in the case of YieldCos, generally measured in terms of distributable cash flow). Any event that limits the YieldCo’s ability to maintain or grow its distributable cash flow would likely have a negative impact on the YieldCo’s share price. YieldCos may finance their growth strategy with debt, which may increase a YieldCo’s leverage and the risks associated with the YieldCo. The ability of a YieldCo to maintain or grow its dividend distributions may depend on the entity’s ability to minimize its tax liabilities through the use of accelerated depreciation schedules, tax loss carryforwards, and tax incentives. Changes to the current tax code could result in greater tax liabilities, which would reduce the YieldCo’s distributable cash flow. |
| O. | BDC Risk. BDCs generally invest in debt securities that are not rated by a credit rating agency and are considered below investment grade quality (“junk bonds”). Little public information generally exists for the type of companies in which a BDC may invest and, therefore, there is a risk that the Fund may not be able to make a fully informed evaluation of the BDC and its portfolio of investments. In addition, investments made by BDCs are typically illiquid and are difficult to value for purposes of determining a BDC’s NAV. |
| P. | Closed-End Fund Risk. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a price per share that is less than the NAV per share. There can be no assurance that the market discount on shares of any closed-end fund purchased by the Fund will ever decrease or that when the Fund seeks to sell shares of a closed-end fund it can receive the NAV of those shares. |
Notes to the Financial Statements | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
August 31, 2024 | |
| Q. | MLP Risk. The Fund’s exposure to MLPs may subject the Fund to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. The value of MLPs and MLP-based ETFs and notes may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or sectors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs, and international economic, political and regulatory developments. To the extent the Fund’s investments in MLPs expose its portfolio to the energy sector, such as the oil and gas industries, the Fund may experience additional risks related to these industries. |
| R. | MLP Tax Risk. If an MLP in which the Fund invests is taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, the Fund will include in its taxable income its allocable share of the MLP’s income regardless of whether the Fund receives any distribution from the MLP. Thus, the Fund may be required to sell other securities to satisfy the distribution requirements to qualify as a regulated investment company (“RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and to avoid Fund- level federal income and excise taxes. In addition, if a MLP in which the Fund invests does not qualify as a qualified publicly traded partnership (and is otherwise not taxed as a corporation), income derived by the Fund from the MLP may be treated as non-qualifying income and could jeopardize the Fund’s status as a RIC. Distributions to the Fund from an MLP that is taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes will constitute a return of capital to the extent of the Fund’s basis in its interest in the MLP. If the Fund retains an investment until its basis is reduced to zero, distributions in excess of basis will generally constitute capital gain for federal income tax purposes. |
| S. | Other Investment Companies Risk. The Fund will incur higher and duplicative expenses when it invests in other investment companies, such as ETFs, BDCs and closed-end funds. By investing in another investment company, the Fund becomes a shareholder of that investment company and bears its proportionate share of the fees and expenses of the other investment company. There is also the risk that the Fund may suffer losses due to the investment practices of the underlying funds as the Fund will be subject to substantially the same risks as those associated with the direct ownership of securities held by such investment companies. ETFs may be less liquid than other investments, and thus their share values more volatile than the values of the investments they hold. Investments in ETFs are also subject to the “ETF Risks” described above. |
| T. | Recently Organized Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized investment company with a limited operating history. As a result, prospective investors have a limited track record or history on which to base their investment decisions. |
NOTE 4 – COMMITMENTS AND OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS |
The Adviser serves as investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Trust, on behalf of the Fund (the “Advisory Agreement”), and, pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, provides investment advice to the Fund and oversees the day-to-day operation of the Fund, subject to direction and oversight of the Board. The Adviser provides oversight of the Sub-Adviser and review of the Sub-Adviser’s performance. The Adviser is also responsible for trading portfolio securities for the Fund, including selecting broker-dealers to execute purchase and sales transactions, subject to the supervision of the Board.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser a unitary management fee (the “Investment Advisory Fee”) based on the average daily net assets of the Fund at the annualized rate of 0.95%. Out of the Management Fee, the Adviser is obligated to pay or arrange for the payment of substantially all expenses of the Fund, including the cost of sub-advisory, transfer agency, custody, fund administration, and all other related services necessary for the Fund to operate. Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser has agreed to pay, or require the Sub-Adviser to pay, all expenses incurred by the Fund except for interest charges on any borrowings, dividends and other expenses on securities sold short, taxes, brokerage commissions and other expenses incurred in placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities and other investment instruments, acquired fund fees and expenses, accrued deferred tax liability, extraordinary expenses, distribution fees and expenses paid by the Fund under any distribution plan adopted pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (collectively, “Excluded Expenses”) and the Investment Advisory Fees payable to the Adviser. The Investment Advisory Fees incurred are paid monthly to the Adviser. Investment Advisory Fees for the year ended August 31, 2024 are disclosed in the Statement of Operations.
The Sub-Adviser serves as investment sub-adviser to the Fund, pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser with respect to the Fund (the “Sub-Advisory Agreement”). Pursuant to the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Sub-Adviser is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund’s portfolio, including determining the securities purchased and sold by the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Adviser and the Board. The Sub-Adviser is paid a fee by the Adviser, which is calculated daily and paid monthly, at an annual rate of 0.75% of the Fund’s average daily net assets (the “Sub-Advisory Fee”). The Sub-Adviser has agreed to assume the Adviser’s obligation to pay all expenses incurred by the Fund, except for Excluded Expenses. For assuming the payment obligation, the Adviser has agreed to pay the Sub-Adviser the profits, if any, generated by the Fund’s Investment Advisory Fees, less a contractual fee retained by the Adviser. Expenses incurred by the Fund and paid by the Sub-Adviser include fees charged by Tidal (defined below), which is an affiliate of the Adviser.
Notes to the Financial Statements | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
August 31, 2024 | |
Tidal ETF Services LLC (“Tidal”), a Tidal Financial Group company and an affiliate of the Adviser, serves as the Fund’s administrator and, in that capacity, performs various administrative and management services for the Fund. Tidal coordinates the payment of Fund- related expenses and manages the Trust’s relationships with its various service providers.
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, doing business as U.S. Bank Global Fund Services (“Fund Services”), serves as the Fund’s sub-administrator, fund accountant and transfer agent. In those capacities Fund Services performs various administrative and accounting services for the Fund. Fund Services prepares various federal and state regulatory filings, reports and returns for the Fund, including regulatory compliance monitoring and financial reporting; prepares reports and materials to be supplied to the Board; and monitors the activities of the Fund’s custodian. U.S. Bank N.A. (the “Custodian”), an affiliate of Fund Services, serves as the Fund’s custodian. The Custodian also acts as the securities lending agent (the “Securities Lending Agent”) for the Fund.
Foreside Fund Services, LLC (the “Distributor”) acts as the Fund’s principal underwriter in a continuous public offering of the Fund’s shares.
Certain officers and a trustee of the Trust are affiliated with the Adviser. Neither the affiliated trustee nor the Trust’s officers receive compensation from the Fund. Directors, officers, and any member of any advisory board of the Funds are compensated through the unitary management fee paid by the Funds to the advisor and not directly by the Funds. The investment advisory fee paid is included in the Financial Statements.
NOTE 5 – SECURITIES LENDING |
The Fund may lend up to 33 1/3% of the value of the securities in its portfolio to brokers, dealers and financial institutions (but not individuals) under terms of participation in a securities lending program administered by the Securities Lending Agent. The securities lending agreement requires that loans are collateralized at all times in an amount equal to at least the market value of the securities loaned by the Fund. The Fund receives compensation in the form of fees and earned interest on the cash collateral. Due to timing issues of when a security is recalled from loan, the financial statements may differ in presentation. The amount of fees depends on a number of factors including the type of security and length of the loan. The Fund continues to receive interest payments or dividends on the securities loaned during the borrowing period. Gain or loss in the value of securities loaned that may occur during the term of the loan will be for the account of the Fund. The Fund has the right under the terms of the securities lending agreements to recall the securities from the borrower on demand.
As of August 31, 2024, the market value of the securities on loan and payable on collateral received for securities lending were as follows:
Market Value of Securities on Loan | | | Payable on Collateral Received | | | Percentage of Net Assets of Securities on Loan |
$ | 1,521,129 | | | $ | 1,554,774 | | | | 3.6% |
The cash collateral is invested in the Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC, of which the investment objective is to seek to maximize income to the extent consistent with the preservation of capital and liquidity and maintain a stable NAV of $1.00. Although risk is mitigated by the collateral, the Fund could experience a delay in recovering its securities and possible loss of income or value if the borrower fails to return the borrowed securities. In addition, the Fund bears the risk of loss associated with the investment of cash collateral received. During the year ended August 31, 2024, the Fund loaned securities that were collateralized by cash. The cash collateral received was invested in the Mount Vernon Liquid Assets Portfolio, LLC as listed in the Fund’s Schedule of Investments. Securities lending income is disclosed in the Fund’s Statement of Operations.
The Fund is not subject to a master netting agreement with respect to the Fund’s participation in securities lending; therefore, no additional disclosures regarding netting arrangements are required.
Notes to the Financial Statements | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
August 31, 2024 | |
NOTE 6 – PURCHASES AND SALES OF SECURITIES |
For the year ended August 31, 2024, the cost of purchases and proceeds from the sales or maturities of securities, excluding short-term investments, U.S. government securities, and in-kind transactions were $21,334,635 and $25,552,196, respectively.
There were no purchases or sales of long-term U.S. government securities for the year ended August 31, 2024.
For the year ended August 31, 2024, in-kind transactions associated with creations and redemptions for the Fund were $3,224,391 and $37,498,420, respectively.
NOTE 7 – INCOME TAXES AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS |
The tax character of distributions paid during the year ended August 31, 2024 and the year ended August 31, 2023 was as follows:
Distributions paid from: | | August 31, 2024 | | | August 31, 2023 | |
Ordinary Income | | $ | 1,637,733 | | | $ | 2,381,500 | |
Long-term Capital Gain | | | — | | | | — | |
Return of Capital | | $ | 42,642 | | | | — | |
As of the year ended August 31, 2024, the components of accumulated losses on a tax basis were as follows:
Investments, at cost(1) | | $ | 40,973,539 | |
Gross tax unrealized appreciation | | | 5,495,491 | |
Gross tax unrealized depreciation | | | (4,628,849 | ) |
Net tax unrealized appreciation (depreciation) | | | 866,642 | |
Undistributed ordinary income (loss) | | | — | |
Undistributed long-term capital gain (loss) | | | — | |
Total distributable earnings | | | — | |
Other accumulated gain (loss) | | | (10,033,914 | ) |
Total accumulated losses | | $ | (9,167,272 | ) |
| (1) | The difference between book and tax-basis cost of investments was attributable primarily to the treatment of wash sales. |
Net capital losses incurred after October 31 (post-October losses) and net investment losses incurred after December 31 (late year losses), and within the taxable year, may be elected to be deferred to the first business day of the Fund’s next taxable year. As of the most recent fiscal year ended August 31, 2024 the Fund had no post-October nor late year losses and ($10,033,914) of short-term capital loss carryovers, which do not expire.
NOTE 8 – SHARE TRANSACTIONS |
Shares of the Fund are listed and traded on the Exchange. Market prices for the shares may be different from their NAV. The Fund issues and redeems shares on a continuous basis at NAV generally in large blocks of shares “Creation Units”. Creation Units are issued and redeemed principally in-kind for securities included in a specified universe. Once created, shares generally trade in the secondary market at market prices that change throughout the day. Except when aggregated in Creation Units, shares are not redeemable securities of the Fund. Creation Units may only be purchased or redeemed by Authorized Participants. An Authorized Participant is either (i) a broker-dealer or other participant in the clearing process through the Continuous Net Settlement System of the National Securities Clearing Corporation or (ii) a Depository Trust Company participant and, in each case, must have executed a Participant Agreement with the Distributor. Most retail investors do not qualify as Authorized Participants nor have the resources to buy and sell whole Creation Units. Therefore, they are unable to purchase or redeem the shares directly from the Fund. Rather, most retail investors may purchase shares in the secondary market with the assistance of a broker and are subject to customary brokerage commissions or fees.
Notes to the Financial Statements | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
August 31, 2024 | |
The Fund currently offers one class of shares, which has no front-end sales load, no deferred sales charge, and no redemption fee. A fixed transaction fee is imposed for the transfer and other transaction costs associated with the purchase or sale of Creation Units. The standard fixed transaction fee for the Fund is $300, payable to the Custodian. The fixed transaction fee may be waived on certain orders if the Fund’s Custodian has determined to waive some or all of the costs associated with the order or another party, such as the Adviser, has agreed to pay such fee. In addition, a variable fee may be charged on all cash transactions or substitutes for Creation Units and Redemption Units of up to a maximum of 2.00% of the value of the Creation Units and Redemption Units subject to the transaction. Variable fees received by the Fund, if any, are disclosed in the capital shares transactions section of the Statements of Changes in Net Assets. The Fund may issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest, with no par value. All shares of the Fund have equal rights and privileges.
NOTE 9 – RECENT MARKET EVENTS |
U.S. and international markets have experienced and may continue to experience significant periods of volatility in recent years and months due to a number of economic, political and global macro factors including rising inflation, uncertainty regarding central banks’ interest rates, the possibility of a national or global recession, trade tensions, political events, the war between Russia and Ukraine, significant conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East, and the impact of COVID-19. The global recovery from COVID-19 may last for an extended period of time. As a result of continuing political tensions and armed conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, the U.S. and the European Union imposed sanctions on certain Russian individuals and companies, including certain financial institutions, and have limited certain exports and imports to and from Russia. The war has contributed to recent market volatility and may continue to do so. The Middle East conflict has led to significant loss of life, damaged infrastructure and escalated tensions both in the region and globally. These developments, as well as other events, could result in further market volatility and negatively affect financial asset prices, the liquidity of certain securities and the normal operations of securities exchanges and other markets, despite government efforts to address market disruptions. As a result, the risk environment remains elevated.
NOTE 10 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS |
In preparing these financial statements, management has evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued. Management has determined that there are no other subsequent events that would need to be recorded or disclosed in the Fund’s financial statements.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF |
August 31, 2024 | |
To the Shareholders of
Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF and
The Board of Trustees of
Tidal ETF Trust
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF (the “Fund”), a series of Tidal ETF Trust (the “Trust”), including the schedule of investments, as of August 31, 2024, the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years then ended and the financial highlights for each of the three years then ended, and the period November 16, 2020 (commencement of operations) to August 31, 2021, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund as of August 31, 2024, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years then ended and the financial highlights for each of the three years then ended, and the period November 16, 2020 to August 31, 2021, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Fund’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Fund in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We have served as the auditor of one or more of the funds in the Trust since 2018.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Fund is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Fund’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of August 31, 2024, by correspondence with the custodian and broker. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
| | |
| TAIT, WELLER & BAKER LLP | |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 29, 2024
QUALIFIED DIVIDEND INCOME/DIVIDENDS RECEIVED DEDUCTION
For the year ended August 31, 2024, certain dividends paid by the Fund may be subject to a maximum tax rate of 23.8%, as provided for by the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The percentage of dividends declared from ordinary income designated as qualified dividend income was as follows:
Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF | 100.00% |
For corporate shareholders, the percent of ordinary income distributions qualifying for the corporate dividends received deduction for the year ended August 31, 2024, was as follows:
Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF | 96.61% |
The percentage of taxable ordinary income distributions that are designated as short-term capital gain distribution under Internal Revenue Section 871(k)(2)(c) for the year ended August 31, 2024, was as follows:
Leatherback Long/Short Alternative Yield ETF | 0.00% |
| (b) | Financial Highlights are included within the financial statements filed under Item 7(a) of this Form.” |
Item 8. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants for Open-End Investment Companies.
There have been no changes in or disagreements with the Fund’s accountants.
Item 9. Proxy Disclosure for Open-End Investment Companies.
There were no matters submitted to a vote of shareholders during the period covered by the report.
Item 10. Remuneration Paid to Directors, Officers, and Others of Open-End Investment Companies.
See Item 7(a). Under the Investment Advisory Agreement, in exchange for a single unitary management fee from each Fund, the Adviser has agreed to pay all expenses incurred by the Fund, including Trustee compensation, except for certain excluded expenses.
Item 11. Statement Regarding Basis for Approval of Investment Advisory Contract.
Not applicable.
Item 12. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 13. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 14. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 15. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
Not Applicable.
Item 16. Controls and Procedures.
| (a) | The Registrant’s President/Principal Executive Officer and Treasurer/Principal Financial Officer have reviewed the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”)) as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report, as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act and Rules 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on their review, such officers have concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in this report is appropriately recorded, processed, summarized and reported and made known to them by others within the Registrant and by the Registrant’s service provider. |
| (b) | There were no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Act) that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. |
Item 17. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies
Not applicable to open-end investment companies.
Item 18. Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation.
(a) Not Applicable
(b) Not Applicable
Item 19. Exhibits.
(2) Any policy required by the listing standards adopted pursuant to Rule 10D-1 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.10D-1) by the registered national securities exchange or registered national securities association upon which the registrant’s securities are listed. Not applicable.
(3) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
(4) Any written solicitation to purchase securities under Rule 23c-1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more persons. Not applicable.
(5) Change in the registrant’s independent public accountant. Provide the information called for by Item 4 of Form 8-K under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 249.308). Unless otherwise specified by Item 4, or related to and necessary for a complete understanding of information not previously disclosed, the information should relate to events occurring during the reporting period. Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
(Registrant) | Tidal ETF Trust | |
By (Signature and Title)* | /s/ Eric W. Falkeis | |
| Eric W. Falkeis, President/Principal Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By (Signature and Title)* | /s/ Eric W. Falkeis | |
| Eric W. Falkeis, President/Principal Executive Officer |
By (Signature and Title)* | /s/ Aaron J. Perkovich | |
| Aaron J. Perkovich, Treasurer/Principal Financial Officer |
* Print the name and title of each signing officer under his or her signature.